Fish the private waters of the Musselshell River while staying in the comfort of our Fisherman’s Cabin.
Quick Facts
Brown trout (95%) and rainbows (5%) dominate this section of the Musselshell River. You’ll find a healthy population of 12” to 18” trout with some larger brown trout to 22” possible. In the early season it offers excellent streamer fishing for bigger brown trout. As the summer progresses hopper fishing picks up along with nymphs.
Fishing Season: April 1 - July 31, September 1 - October 31
Fishing Closed: August 1 - August 31 due to low water conditions most years.
Rates: $100 per rod per day
Lodging available right on the river!
Contact: Steve Coale, 281-451-8243, scoale@coaleandcompany.com with any questions you have.
River Ranch Location: 25 Capser Ranch Rd, Harlowton, MT 59036
Ron Hughes, October 2022
Fishing Expectations
Expect to catch 4-8 trout per day, with 14–16-inch size most common, and you will most likely also hook into a larger brown 18”-22”s. You may catch more fish depending on your fly fishing experience and knowledge. This section of the river is not for the beginner. Brown trout are long lived and smart. Each year 5-12 big browns are caught (all catch and release, so they are still most likely around). Regardless of what you catch, it will be a great experience of seeing wildlife and many different bird types. And you will not see another fisherman, other than in your group (only 4 rods allowed per day). And many days there are zero fishermen on the river. This is a newer business venture, and most people do not even know about the opportunity.
The early part of the season and the fall after September 15 are best with bigger streamers, as brown trout are very carnivorous and aggressive feeders. As water levels drop (latter June to August end) nymphs and dry flies pick up. Double set ups with nymphs can be very effective.
Depending on winter snows and spring runoff, the best months to fish are May through June, but some years we may have high water during this period. Each year is different. April can be good, if colder weather, and latter snow melt. August is usually the worst month, due to lower water levels and water temps warming up. I shut the river fishing down during the month of August to take the stress off the fish. By mid September the water levels are back up and the fishing is typically excellent with deeper and colder water.
And the brown trout are getting more active as they get ready to spawn. It is also the most beautiful time on the river with the leaf’s turning color, and the wildlife activity. You will see deer, waterfowl, sand hill cranes, pheasant, beaver, muskrat, and maybe a mink. Not to mention many birds of prey. And maybe a Black Bear or Moose.
Float the River
You can also float 9.5 miles of the river, starting at the access point 100 yards above the bridge on the ranch and floating to the Harlowton fishing access point 1/4 mile downstream of highway 191. Whether wading or floating, each fisherman pays a rod fee for the day.
Regarding your booking this experience, best to not book early, but rather wait and communicate with the owner (Steve Coale via email: scoale@coaleandcompany.com or cell: 281-451-8243) to see how the Spring snow melt and water levels are lining out for the new year. We want you to have a good experience, and it will all be about the water conditions for the given year.
Current River Conditions: Musselshell River Gage - Harlowton, MT
Estimated Future River Conditions: Musselshell River Gage (10 Day Forecast) - Harlowton, MT
The ranch offers limited fly fishing along 3.1 miles of the Musselshell River upstream of bridge 191 near Harlotown, MT. Additional fishing of .94 miles to the west is available based on the Montana stream access law which allows navigating the river up to the high water mark. Fishing is limited to 4 rods per day.
Montana Stream Access Law, regarding the high water mark, there is no access above our property or below our property. It is all private property. There will be nobody fishing the river running through the ranch, other than those booked at the ranch.
River Float Access Point: Gravel boat ramp for raft or canoe.
Releasing Fish Properly
For us at the Mexican John Ranch, and for many anglers, the question is not whether catch and release is a good thing, but how well it is done.
Use barbless hooks and nets with soft rubber mesh
Bring the fish to the net as quickly as possible
Keep the fish in the water and handle as little as possible, and always with wet hands
Do not squeeze the fish, it damages internal organs
Remove the hook using forceps if necessary
Avoid contact with the bank or gravel as this removes protective slime
Release the fish by pointing its nose into the current so that water is flowing over its gills
Support it gently until it swims away
For more detailed information, visit: https://flyfishingfix.com/how-to-handle-trout/
Thank your helping us in protecting this great fishery.
Important Ranch Rules
If these basic rules are not met by one or more of the fishing clients, all clients will be asked to leave the property and will not have the opportunity to fish in the future.
All fishermen with a rod are charged the daily rate. Fishing guides are excluded unless they are fishing as well.
Dog Regulations: Dogs may be kept inside the fenced area at the river ranch house, approximately 1/3 acre. To minimize wildlife impact in the river corridor, dogs may not roam outside the fenced area or be allowed on the river when you’re fishing. At night dogs must be confined to a dog kennel on outside porch. They are not permitted inside the house. Dogs are only allowed for those who have booked lodging at the river ranch house. No dogs are allowed on the ranch unless lodging is booked. Dog feces must be cleaned up and put in the trash outside the house.
Wade fishing only
You may smoke outside of main house compound, if staying at house, but not in field or when fishing to reduce fire hazard. No smoking is allowed inside the house.
Park only at designated parking stop, or at small house if you booked lodging option
Fly fishing only-catch and release
Leave gates as you found them: open or closed
Do not enter any buildings on property
Your litter is your responsibility. Please remove when you leave property.
